Understanding and Appreciating Titus 2:3-5

I recently studied Titus using a book from a popular Bible study series. It went into tedious detail about every passage except Titus 2:3-5.(1)

Apparently, feminist influences had successfully silenced the author of this Bible study. But they haven't silenced me.

Titus 2:1 begins with this important command: “Proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”

In verse 2 it offers some instructions to men, then continues:

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” (ESV)

Nothing in this passage is demeaning to women. 

1. It shows the value of older godly women. 

2. It calls women, not men, to teach women.(2)  

3. It highlights the unique role women have in creating a godly home atmosphere.

4. It explains that godly women bring honor to God and His Word.

But feminists overlook those things and focus on the command for submission.

They fail to understand that submission places a heavy burden of responsibility on husbands to protect and value their wives.

But on this International Women's Day, I want to proclaim that after 50+ years of living by God's submission design, I can testify to the blessings it brings. It makes me more valuable as a woman, not less valuable!

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Please check out my collection of devotions that address misunderstandings about submission: Biblical Submission. I especially recommend An Army Wife's View of Submission and Privilege, Responsibility, and Influence in Marriage.

Footnotes:

(1) I am working on my own in-depth study of Titus 2:3-5 which I'll share when it's finished.

(2) The NIV and NLT translate Titus 2:3 as if it is an instruction for Titus to teach the older women to teach the younger women, but the Greek does not contain that instruction. The passage (Titus 2:1-5) begins by commanding Titus to "speak" or "proclaim" sound doctrine. But the original Greek in verse 3 does not command Titus to teach the older women.

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